Have you been bitten by the nature bug? Since 2020, most Americans have. Everyone wants to spend more time outside.
And one of the best ways to get outdoors more? By going camping!
And camping doesn’t mean you need to sleep on the cold hard ground. You can camp in style, sleep comfortably at night, and spend the day in the great outdoors with an RV.
But what exactly is an RV, and is it different from a motorhome? Motorhome vs. RV, yes there is a difference, and many people are confused by this.
Keep reading our RV buying guide below to set the record straight so that you can start shopping for your new recreational vehicle with confidence.
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What Is an RV?
RV stands for a recreational vehicle. It’s an umbrella term used to generalize every type of recreational motorhome and trailer.
If it’s a vehicle that is used primarily for recreation (not for commuting or running errands), then it’s an RV.
Most people think that an RV is a specific type of travel trailer. But it’s just the category of vehicle. It’s not a car, a truck, or a motorcycle, it’s an RV.
It can be a Class A, B, or C motorhome. But RVs also include travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, popup campers, and more.
What Is a Motorhome?
So what is a motorhome? It’s any type of RV that you can drive. You don’t tow it, as it’s not a trailer. It has a motor, a driver’s seat, and you drive it directly to your campground.
Class A motorhomes are the largest. These are built on a bus chassis and can be up to 40 feet long. When people say motorhome, this is usually what they’re talking about.
Class B motorhomes are the smallest. They are built on a van chassis. They are more commonly called camper vans. Check out lamesarv.com to see what modern camper vans look like.
Many DIYers will buy an empty utility van and convert it into their own, customized class B motorhome, affectionately referred to as “van life.”
Class C motorhomes are in the middle. They are built on a truck chassis. They look like class A motorhomes, just shorter.
Motorhome Vs. RV
RV is a term used to describe this category of vehicles. RV doesn’t specify a certain type of recreational vehicle.
Motorhomes are one subset of RVs. They are the types of RVs that you can drive, so no towing is necessary. When people talk about motorhomes, they are usually talking about class A or C motorhomes.
Travel trailers can be as large as class A motor homes, but they don’t have a motor. They are towable trailers. Many people call these RVs, but the proper term is “travel trailer.”
Use the Right Terminology
Hopefully, our RV and motorhome guide helps. Motorhome vs. RV, most people misunderstand this. But now you know the difference between these two terms and can visit an RV dealer without looking silly.
Looking for more RV and motorhome tips? Head over to our blog to find other helpful articles.